Spending bill passes House

Recently, H.R. 3354—the massive, 12-bill spending package for FY2018 appropriations—passed the House on a mostly partisan 211-198 vote. The bill addresses some key provisions for agricultural spending, including $20 billion in USDA discretionary spending. This is below the 2017 level, but $2 billion higher than President Donald Trump’s request. Numerous non-funding-related riders were also included, such as fast-tracking the repeal of the 2015 Waters of the U.S. rule, prohibiting the requirement of 404 dredge and fill permits under the Clean Water Act for agricultural activities, and prohibiting Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulations on animal feeding operations.